Alexander Laurence's Blog, page 1170
July 14, 2020
Afel Bocoum premieres new track "Dakamana," new album "Lindé" exec produced by Damon Albarn and Nick Gold out 9/4
AFEL BOCOUM PREMIERES NEW TRACK “DAKAMANA”NEW ALBUM LINDÉ OUT SEPTMEBER 4 VIA
WORLD CIRCUIT RECORDSEXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
DAMON ALBARN AND NICK GOLD
Photo credit: Christien JasparsJuly 14, 2020—In celebration of Malian songwriter and guitarist Afel Bocoum’s forthcoming studio album Lindé—due September 4 via World Circuit Records and executive produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and World Circuit’s Nick Gold—Bocoum is premiering the album track “Dakamana.” Stream the track here and pre-order the record here: http://worldcircuit.lnk.to/AfelBocoumLinde.The song is a plea to Afel’s fellow Malians to come together at a time when jihad, poverty and tribal war have brought the country to its knees. He explains: “Malian culture doesn’t recognize divisive expressions such as: “northerner,” “southerner,” “black” and “white.” Let’s just say “Malian,” full stop. Social cohesion is our social security.” Alongside the gentle click of the calabash and the twang of the kamele n’goni (large “youth” harp), the song also features the trombone of Skatalites veteran Vin Gordon.The first single taken from the record, “Avion,” is a playful and optimistic tribute to air travel with the guitars of Mamadou Kelly, Oumar Konaté and Lamine Soumano providing sweet and melodic propulsion. Named after the wild expanse near Afel’s hometown of Niafunké, Lindé is a remarkable blend of deep tradition and audacious innovation. The album was recorded in Mali’s capital Bamako, and stitches together the age-old music of the Niger bend with styles from across the globe, boasting performances from a number of eminent Malian musicians including Madou Kouyaté, the late ‘Hama’ Sankaré and Madou Sidiki Diabaté, along with the drums of recently-departed Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the trombone of Vin Gordon (Bob Marley / Skatalites) and the violin of Joan as Police Woman.Traditional instruments like the ngoni, njurkele, kora and calabash blend with guitars, percussion and call-and-response vocals. The result is a gently undulating flow that emanates from a source hidden deep in the historical and mystical traditions of Afel’s native land, enriched along its way by musical tributaries and cross-currents. It’s music that rolls rather than rocks, graceful, unforced and minimal by design.Lindé is also an album with a message; in the face of an uncertain and turbulent world, and a homeland struggling with jihad, poverty and tribal war, Afel Bocoum urges hope, solidarity and unity. “We have to meet each other, talk to each other, look each other in the eye and tell the truth,” Afel says. “If we’re not united, I can see no solution. Our social security is music. That’s all we’ve got left. People love music, so we have to make use of that fact.” Afel Bocoum is among the last of a breakthrough generation of African musicians who cross-pollinated their own traditional music with the new sounds that arrived from all over the world throughout the 20th century. Hailing from Niafunké in Mali, an area that straddles the cultural riches and political tensions between the northern and southern areas of the country, Afel spent decades touring and recording with desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré. His debut album Alkibar (1999, World Circuit) propelled him to international recognition, leading him to work with Albarn & Toumani Diabaté on 2002’s Mali Music, as well as contributing regularly to the famed Africa Express projects and collaborating with Béla Fleck, Habib Koité, and Tartit Ensemble among others. “You have to collaborate, otherwise you’ll get nowhere in today’s world,” Afel says. “All those collaborations were positive.”AFEL BOCOUM, LINDÉ1. Penda Djiga2. Bombolo Liilo3. Dakamana4. Fari Intro5. Fari Njungu6. Jaman Bisa7. Avion8. Sambu Kamba9. Yer Gando10. Kakilena11. Djougal
WORLD CIRCUIT RECORDSEXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY
DAMON ALBARN AND NICK GOLD
Photo credit: Christien JasparsJuly 14, 2020—In celebration of Malian songwriter and guitarist Afel Bocoum’s forthcoming studio album Lindé—due September 4 via World Circuit Records and executive produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and World Circuit’s Nick Gold—Bocoum is premiering the album track “Dakamana.” Stream the track here and pre-order the record here: http://worldcircuit.lnk.to/AfelBocoumLinde.The song is a plea to Afel’s fellow Malians to come together at a time when jihad, poverty and tribal war have brought the country to its knees. He explains: “Malian culture doesn’t recognize divisive expressions such as: “northerner,” “southerner,” “black” and “white.” Let’s just say “Malian,” full stop. Social cohesion is our social security.” Alongside the gentle click of the calabash and the twang of the kamele n’goni (large “youth” harp), the song also features the trombone of Skatalites veteran Vin Gordon.The first single taken from the record, “Avion,” is a playful and optimistic tribute to air travel with the guitars of Mamadou Kelly, Oumar Konaté and Lamine Soumano providing sweet and melodic propulsion. Named after the wild expanse near Afel’s hometown of Niafunké, Lindé is a remarkable blend of deep tradition and audacious innovation. The album was recorded in Mali’s capital Bamako, and stitches together the age-old music of the Niger bend with styles from across the globe, boasting performances from a number of eminent Malian musicians including Madou Kouyaté, the late ‘Hama’ Sankaré and Madou Sidiki Diabaté, along with the drums of recently-departed Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the trombone of Vin Gordon (Bob Marley / Skatalites) and the violin of Joan as Police Woman.Traditional instruments like the ngoni, njurkele, kora and calabash blend with guitars, percussion and call-and-response vocals. The result is a gently undulating flow that emanates from a source hidden deep in the historical and mystical traditions of Afel’s native land, enriched along its way by musical tributaries and cross-currents. It’s music that rolls rather than rocks, graceful, unforced and minimal by design.Lindé is also an album with a message; in the face of an uncertain and turbulent world, and a homeland struggling with jihad, poverty and tribal war, Afel Bocoum urges hope, solidarity and unity. “We have to meet each other, talk to each other, look each other in the eye and tell the truth,” Afel says. “If we’re not united, I can see no solution. Our social security is music. That’s all we’ve got left. People love music, so we have to make use of that fact.” Afel Bocoum is among the last of a breakthrough generation of African musicians who cross-pollinated their own traditional music with the new sounds that arrived from all over the world throughout the 20th century. Hailing from Niafunké in Mali, an area that straddles the cultural riches and political tensions between the northern and southern areas of the country, Afel spent decades touring and recording with desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré. His debut album Alkibar (1999, World Circuit) propelled him to international recognition, leading him to work with Albarn & Toumani Diabaté on 2002’s Mali Music, as well as contributing regularly to the famed Africa Express projects and collaborating with Béla Fleck, Habib Koité, and Tartit Ensemble among others. “You have to collaborate, otherwise you’ll get nowhere in today’s world,” Afel says. “All those collaborations were positive.”AFEL BOCOUM, LINDÉ1. Penda Djiga2. Bombolo Liilo3. Dakamana4. Fari Intro5. Fari Njungu6. Jaman Bisa7. Avion8. Sambu Kamba9. Yer Gando10. Kakilena11. Djougal
Vusi Mahlasela Announces New Live Album "Shebeen Queen"
VUSI MAHLASELAAnnounces New Live Album Shebeen Queen
A Tribute to Township Music Dedicated to His Grandmother Ida: “She was and still is my greatest hero.”
Out August 14 on ATO Records
Watch the Vibrant Preview Video HERE
Photo credit: Andre Badenhorst
“Vusi Mahlasela is more than just a popular musician in South Africa. His simple yet powerful storytelling has helped connect and carry a nation recovering from an apartheid past… He recognizes the power that his talent has in bringing hope to others in South Africa.” - NPR
“For more than 25 years, the legendary singer has been celebrated globally for his powerful vocals and universal messages of freedom and human kindness.” - CNN
Vusi Mahlasela, the legendary activist and singer-songwriter known as “The Voice” in his native South Africa, will release a new live album of traditional township songs, Shebeen Queen, on August 14 on ATO Records. The “shebeen queen” of the title is Mahlasela’s late grandmother Ida (whom he calls Magogo), who raised him in the township of Mamelodi (meaning “mother of melody”), where he still lives today. Following her husband’s murder in 1961, Ida opened a shebeen (speakeasy) and began selling homebrewed beer (umqombothi) to make her living. Her space became known for its lively musical gatherings at night, where the townspeople would use buckets, tins, and plastic drums as instruments, and Ingoma'buksu - music rooted in Mbube culture, meaning “Songs of the Night” - would be celebrated with everyone singing together in full voices. Ida became known as the “Shebeen Queen.” As a boy, Mahlasela saw a man playing a guitar at one of these gatherings and was inspired to build his first guitar from fishing line and a cooking oil can.
Shebeen Queen is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture of his hometown, first encountered at Ida’s shebeen. “Ida was a strong woman and was respected by all in our community,” he says. “In 1976, when I witnessed the Soweto Uprising, my political education began and I realized how important music was. I began writing songs of justice, of freedom, of revolution, of love, of peace and of life. For these songs, I was arrested and thrown into solitary confinement. Magogo was always there for me –she fought for me, protected me and stood up for what was right. She was and still is my greatest hero. I decided I wanted to record some of these great Township songs in an effort to preserve this important music, so critical to our community and to our history. I wanted to honour this music and my grandmother by recording a live show, right here in Mamelodi at Magogo’s house.”
Today Mahlasela releases a vibrant video previewing the album and showcasing the joyful live concert. Watch the video HERE and pre-order Shebeen Queen HERE.
Vusi Mahlasela - Shebeen QueenAugust 14, 2020 - ATO Records1. Imal' Iyaphela2. Ithemba Lami3. Umculo4. Zimbabwe5. Khona Manje6. Intombi7. Yithi Masoja8. Silang Mabele9. Draaikies10. Molaetsa Keo11. Unomeva
Vusi Mahlasela is a world-renowned anti-apartheid activist and folk musician who has released nine beloved albums over the last two decades. He has collaborated with Dave Matthews, Béla Fleck, Taj Mahal, Warren Haynes, and Angelique Kidjo and shared stages across the world with Sting, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Josh Groban, Natalie Merchant, and more. In 1994, Mahlasela performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration; he also served as an ambassador for Mandela’s 46664 campaign, raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. Mahlasela performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick Off concert in Soweto, South Africa in 2010, and in 2012 he was honored by SAMA (South African Music Awards) with a lifetime achievement award. He holds honorary Doctorate degrees from both Rhodes University and the University of Kwazulu-Natal. South African President Ramaphosa recently recognized Vusi cultural contributions with a national “Ubuntu and Culture” award.
vusimahlasela.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
A Tribute to Township Music Dedicated to His Grandmother Ida: “She was and still is my greatest hero.”
Out August 14 on ATO Records
Watch the Vibrant Preview Video HERE
Photo credit: Andre Badenhorst“Vusi Mahlasela is more than just a popular musician in South Africa. His simple yet powerful storytelling has helped connect and carry a nation recovering from an apartheid past… He recognizes the power that his talent has in bringing hope to others in South Africa.” - NPR
“For more than 25 years, the legendary singer has been celebrated globally for his powerful vocals and universal messages of freedom and human kindness.” - CNN
Vusi Mahlasela, the legendary activist and singer-songwriter known as “The Voice” in his native South Africa, will release a new live album of traditional township songs, Shebeen Queen, on August 14 on ATO Records. The “shebeen queen” of the title is Mahlasela’s late grandmother Ida (whom he calls Magogo), who raised him in the township of Mamelodi (meaning “mother of melody”), where he still lives today. Following her husband’s murder in 1961, Ida opened a shebeen (speakeasy) and began selling homebrewed beer (umqombothi) to make her living. Her space became known for its lively musical gatherings at night, where the townspeople would use buckets, tins, and plastic drums as instruments, and Ingoma'buksu - music rooted in Mbube culture, meaning “Songs of the Night” - would be celebrated with everyone singing together in full voices. Ida became known as the “Shebeen Queen.” As a boy, Mahlasela saw a man playing a guitar at one of these gatherings and was inspired to build his first guitar from fishing line and a cooking oil can.
Shebeen Queen is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture of his hometown, first encountered at Ida’s shebeen. “Ida was a strong woman and was respected by all in our community,” he says. “In 1976, when I witnessed the Soweto Uprising, my political education began and I realized how important music was. I began writing songs of justice, of freedom, of revolution, of love, of peace and of life. For these songs, I was arrested and thrown into solitary confinement. Magogo was always there for me –she fought for me, protected me and stood up for what was right. She was and still is my greatest hero. I decided I wanted to record some of these great Township songs in an effort to preserve this important music, so critical to our community and to our history. I wanted to honour this music and my grandmother by recording a live show, right here in Mamelodi at Magogo’s house.”
Today Mahlasela releases a vibrant video previewing the album and showcasing the joyful live concert. Watch the video HERE and pre-order Shebeen Queen HERE.
Vusi Mahlasela - Shebeen QueenAugust 14, 2020 - ATO Records1. Imal' Iyaphela2. Ithemba Lami3. Umculo4. Zimbabwe5. Khona Manje6. Intombi7. Yithi Masoja8. Silang Mabele9. Draaikies10. Molaetsa Keo11. UnomevaVusi Mahlasela is a world-renowned anti-apartheid activist and folk musician who has released nine beloved albums over the last two decades. He has collaborated with Dave Matthews, Béla Fleck, Taj Mahal, Warren Haynes, and Angelique Kidjo and shared stages across the world with Sting, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Josh Groban, Natalie Merchant, and more. In 1994, Mahlasela performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration; he also served as an ambassador for Mandela’s 46664 campaign, raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. Mahlasela performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick Off concert in Soweto, South Africa in 2010, and in 2012 he was honored by SAMA (South African Music Awards) with a lifetime achievement award. He holds honorary Doctorate degrees from both Rhodes University and the University of Kwazulu-Natal. South African President Ramaphosa recently recognized Vusi cultural contributions with a national “Ubuntu and Culture” award.
vusimahlasela.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
July 13, 2020
No Joy spotlights Montreal visual artist in video for new trip hop inspired single "Four"
No Joy spotlights Montreal visual artist in video for new trip hop inspired single "Four"
VIDEO: "Four" -
YouTube / Streaming Services
Montreal’s No Joy today reveal their latest video, “Four."
Frontperson and principal songwriter Jasamine White-Gluz calls the track “perhaps my favorite No Joy song ever written." It is taken from No Joy’s new album, Motherhood, out on August 21 st via Joyful Noise / Hand Drawn Dracula.
Watch/Share: No Joy “Four”
No Joy’s latest video follows Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) visual artist Ashley Diabo at her home in Kahnawake. Ashley's art is inspired by her home, family, Pennywise and nature. Makeup has been her primary medium, having worked with Dazed Magazine, SSENSE, Hunter Schafer, and King Kong Magazine.
No Joy teamed up with Jodi Heartz with the aim, explains Jasamine, “to appreciate Ashley at
home, hoping to inspire all to embrace the love and inspiration of their home the way Ashley reminds us every day. She has a special gift to make the everyday more and better and magical.”
Ashley, Jodi and No Joy are urging listeners to make donations to the following organizations:
Canadian Roots Exchange
Native Women's Association of Canada
True North Aid
Unist'ot'en Camp
For No Joy’s first full length in five years, Jasamine White-Gluz took what she learned from
synthesis, reincorporated guitars, and produced an album that is not a departure from No Joy’s early shoegaze, but a stylistically omnivorous expansion that ekes into trip hop, trance and nu-metal. Motherhood is the culmination of years composing outside of her comfort zone, and a return to DIY recording with a leveled-up expertise in production.
No Joy
Motherhood
(Joyful Noise / Hand Drawn Dracula)
Release Date: Aug. 21, 2020
Pre-order here
Track List:
Birthmark
Dream Rats (feat. Alissa White-Gluz)
Nothing Will Hurt
Four
Ageless
Why Mothers Die
Happy Bleeding
Signal Lights
Fish
Primal Curse
Kidder
NO JOY LINKS:
Patreon
Bandcamp
Flume to livestream Sold Out 2019 Flume & Friends Shows at Red Rocks on July 16 via Future Classic's Twitch channel
FLUME TO LIVESTREAM SOLD OUT 2019 FLUME & FRIENDSSHOWS AT RED ROCKS ON JULY 16
CONCERT TO STREAM VIA
FUTURE CLASSIC’S TWITCH CHANNEL
July 13, 2020—In the absence of Flume being able to perform at Red Rocks this year, the Grammy-winning, Sydney-born, L.A.-based producer will livestream his Sold Out 2019 Flume & Friends Shows at Red Rocks on July 16 at 6P.M. PT/9P.M. ET/11A.M. AEST and July 17 at 8P.M. BST/9P.M. CEST via Future Classic’s Twitch channel—RSVP here. The show, which features guest appearances from Slowthai, Vera Blue, Reo Cragun and JPEGMAFIA, will also stream via Flume’s Youtube channel and will be available on Playstation 4 and Playstation VR via the Littlstar app.
Earlier this year, Flume shared his first new music of 2020, “The Difference” featuring Toro y Moi alongside a Jonathan Zawada-directed video. Last year, Flume’s Best Dance/Electronic Album nomination for his acclaimed Hi This Is Flume mixtape at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards capped off a monumental year for the producer. Earlier in 2019, he released a collaborative EP Quits with rapper Reo Cragun and shared singles “Let You Know” feat. London Grammar and “Rushing Back” featuring Vera Blue, which debuted at #12 on the U.S. Dance/Electronic chart and landed #2 on the Triple J Hottest 100. He also toured the globe with stops at festivals including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Outside Lands, Japan’s Summersonic, Italy’s C2C and more. Additionally, Flume recently launched a new line of merchandise that can be purchased here.
Critical praise for “The Difference”…
“…a ridiculously catchy cut that both shimmers and skitters.”—The FADER
“…an effervescent drum and bass-inspired cut…”—Billboard
“Brisk and snappy, the song feels like a rejoiceful jog outside on the first day that the winter blues makes way for spring sunshine.”—Popdust
Flume (born Harley Streten) rose to prominence as a teenager with his scene-starting self-titled debut in 2012. Featuring the hits “Holding On,” “On Top,” “Sleepless” and others, the album topped the ARIA charts, garnered four spots in triple j’s Hottest 100 and sold out a massive Australian 40,000 cap tour. In the two years that followed, Flume established a name as a serious international contender thanks to his compelling live show (debuting at Coachella, Lollapalooza and many others) and skillful remixes of high-profile acts including Lorde and Disclosure.
After a series of well-received collaborations (Lockjaw EP with Chet Faker [2014] and Some Minds with Andrew Wyatt [2015]), Flume released his second LP, Skin. Launching with the blockbuster hit “Never Be Like You” featuring Kai, and topping the ARIA Chart on release, the album reinforced Flume’s status as an inventive, boundary-pushing producer while simultaneously reaching huge new audiences around the world. That year, Flume topped triple j’s Hottest 100, won seven ARIAs, an APRA Award for Songwriter of the Year and sold over 300,000 tickets globally across a sold out 59 date world tour. He achieved platinum accreditation in multiple territories around the world and took home his first Grammy Award for Best/Dance Electronic Album.
CONCERT TO STREAM VIA
FUTURE CLASSIC’S TWITCH CHANNEL
July 13, 2020—In the absence of Flume being able to perform at Red Rocks this year, the Grammy-winning, Sydney-born, L.A.-based producer will livestream his Sold Out 2019 Flume & Friends Shows at Red Rocks on July 16 at 6P.M. PT/9P.M. ET/11A.M. AEST and July 17 at 8P.M. BST/9P.M. CEST via Future Classic’s Twitch channel—RSVP here. The show, which features guest appearances from Slowthai, Vera Blue, Reo Cragun and JPEGMAFIA, will also stream via Flume’s Youtube channel and will be available on Playstation 4 and Playstation VR via the Littlstar app.
Earlier this year, Flume shared his first new music of 2020, “The Difference” featuring Toro y Moi alongside a Jonathan Zawada-directed video. Last year, Flume’s Best Dance/Electronic Album nomination for his acclaimed Hi This Is Flume mixtape at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards capped off a monumental year for the producer. Earlier in 2019, he released a collaborative EP Quits with rapper Reo Cragun and shared singles “Let You Know” feat. London Grammar and “Rushing Back” featuring Vera Blue, which debuted at #12 on the U.S. Dance/Electronic chart and landed #2 on the Triple J Hottest 100. He also toured the globe with stops at festivals including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Outside Lands, Japan’s Summersonic, Italy’s C2C and more. Additionally, Flume recently launched a new line of merchandise that can be purchased here.
Critical praise for “The Difference”…
“…a ridiculously catchy cut that both shimmers and skitters.”—The FADER
“…an effervescent drum and bass-inspired cut…”—Billboard
“Brisk and snappy, the song feels like a rejoiceful jog outside on the first day that the winter blues makes way for spring sunshine.”—Popdust
Flume (born Harley Streten) rose to prominence as a teenager with his scene-starting self-titled debut in 2012. Featuring the hits “Holding On,” “On Top,” “Sleepless” and others, the album topped the ARIA charts, garnered four spots in triple j’s Hottest 100 and sold out a massive Australian 40,000 cap tour. In the two years that followed, Flume established a name as a serious international contender thanks to his compelling live show (debuting at Coachella, Lollapalooza and many others) and skillful remixes of high-profile acts including Lorde and Disclosure.
After a series of well-received collaborations (Lockjaw EP with Chet Faker [2014] and Some Minds with Andrew Wyatt [2015]), Flume released his second LP, Skin. Launching with the blockbuster hit “Never Be Like You” featuring Kai, and topping the ARIA Chart on release, the album reinforced Flume’s status as an inventive, boundary-pushing producer while simultaneously reaching huge new audiences around the world. That year, Flume topped triple j’s Hottest 100, won seven ARIAs, an APRA Award for Songwriter of the Year and sold over 300,000 tickets globally across a sold out 59 date world tour. He achieved platinum accreditation in multiple territories around the world and took home his first Grammy Award for Best/Dance Electronic Album.
July 12, 2020
Tame Impala @ Pechanga Arena San Diego Monday, March 9, 2020
All photos taken in San Diego by Bradley Dupray.
July 10, 2020
Uncle Al Wants You To Vote! Ministry Launches 2020 Campaign With Autographed Memorabilia, New Political Playlist & Revisiting AmeriKKKant Album
Uncle Al Wants YOU To Vote!
Ministry Puts Political Roots Into ActionLaunching 2020 CampaignWith Autographed MemorabiliaFor Fans That Get Ready To Voice Their Choice Hear Ministry’s Fully Endorsed New Playlist,“The Soundtrack To Your Election” On SpotifyWith Al Jourgensen’s Personal Picks & Ministry AnthemsIncluding New Single “Alert Level” And Songs From2018’s Anti-Trump Manifesto AmeriKKKant That Take On New Relevance
With one of the most important elections in American history on the line this November, Ministry and creator Al Jourgensen are launching a 2020 campaign to inspire fans to get election ready and look forward to receiving a range of autographed memorabilia from Ministry’s acclaimed 2018 anti-Trump album AmeriKKKant. Says Jourgensen, “When
AmeriKKKant
was first being developed, the album was a direct response to waking up to shock and panic the day after Trump was officially elected. Now, four years later these songs take on new meaning as we get rid of the Mango Moron. Vote this November like your life depends on it, because this time it really does!” Fans who are currently unregistered to vote are encouraged to head to http://ministryband.com/vote and click on the graphic to complete a few simple steps to get ready and sign up for alerts. Once completed, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and e-mail it to unclealforpresident2020@gmail.com along with your mailing address. Fans who are already registered to vote are encouraged to engage in another cause important to the band—the national #SaveOurStages campaign that urges Congress to provide critical funding to independent music venues across the United States. Head to www.SaveOurStages.com and sign the online petition and/or make a donation to the cause. Once completed, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and e-mail it to unclealforpresident2020@gmail.com along with your mailing address. Supplies of autographed memorabilia are limited and available to fans in the U.S. only who are able to take a voter action in the upcoming election and take part in the #SaveOurStages national campaign. Please send only one e-mail per person. To provide the perfect soundtrack to get fans engaged in the upcoming voting season, Ministry has also created a new playlist, “The Soundtrack To Your Election,” available now on Spotify. With 30 powerful selections, the playlist features personal favorites of Jourgensen as well as Ministry’s own rally cries including new single “Alert Level” and tracks from the highly politicized album
AmeriKKKant
, the band’s most recent full-length release. Listen to it here: http://nblast.de/MinistryElection2020 
Loudwire called
AmeriKKKant
Ministry’s “State of the Union” and Metal Injection said the album “heavily embodies the current maelstrom of political hell that is swallowing the United States” when it was released in 2018 as Trump was taking the presidency. Featuring songs like “We’re Tired Of It” and “Victims Of A Clown,” the tracks are more relevant than ever as many focus on unseating Trump in November. See this CNN piece about
AmeriKKKant
“taking on Trump’s America”: https://www.cnn.com/videos/entertainment/2018/06/18/new-ministry-album-takes-on-trumps-america.cnn
AmeriKKKant
CDs, exclusive vinyl editions and bundle packages are available at http://nblast.de/MinistryAmeriKKKantNB. Jourgensen has spent decades using his music to rally fans and listeners to the fight for equal rights, restoring American liberties, exposing exploitation and putting crooked politicians in their rightful place. Songs like “Thieves,” “Lies, Lies, Lies” and “N.W.O.” have taken on political corruption and the societal constructs that led to historic events like 9/11 and the 1992 Los Angeles riots while the George W. Bush administration spurred an entire trilogy from the industrial godfather. With America still on the brink, Ministry’s Al Jourgensen has re-entered the studio to create his missives that will become material for a to-be-announced new album on Nuclear Blast Records. The first taste, “Alert Level” was released in April, and asked fans to be part of the larger conversation by answering the question posed by the song, “How concerned are you?” Many of the videos have been shared across Ministry’s social media pages as the band and Jourgensen encourage fans to remain engaged and informed in 2020. 
About MinistryBorn in 1981 in Chicago, Ministry has been the lifetime passion project of founder Al Jourgensen, considered to be the pioneer of industrial music. In its early days, Ministry was identifiable by its heavy synth-pop material in line with the new sounds and technology that were being developed in the ‘80s. Ministry’s output began with four 12” singles on Wax Trax! Records in 1981 before the first LP With Sympathy in 1983 via Arista Records. As time progressed however, so did Ministry, quickly developing a harsher, and more stylized sound that the band soon became infamous for on seminal albums Twitch (1986), The Land of Rape and Honey (1988), and The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste (1989). With the release of Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and The Way to Suck Eggs (1992), Ministry hit an all time high in the mainstream musical realm and received its first Grammy nomination. In total, Ministry has been nominated for a Grammy award six times. After an indefinite hiatus in 2013, Ministry’s latest album, 2018’s AmeriKKKant, continues to reflect Jourgensen’s views on the frightening state of society and politics. With the latest lineup featuring Sin Quirin and Cesar Soto on guitars, John Bechdel (Killing Joke) on keys, London May (Samhain) on drums and Paul D’Amour (Tool) on bass, Ministry continues recording in 2020 with new music and a few more surprises planned. 
Find Ministry Online:Website: www.ministryband.comFacebook: www.Facebook.com/WeAreMinistryTwitter: www.Twitter.com/WeAreMinistryInstagram: www.Instagram.com/WeAreMinistry
Illuminati Hotties presents 'FREE IH: This Is Not The One You’ve Been Waiting For'
ILLUMINATI HOTTIES
PRESENTS
FREE IH: This Is Not The One You’ve Been Waiting For
12 FIRED-UP NEW TRACKS OUT NEXT FRIDAY JULY 17TH
VIA BIG SCARY MONSTERS
CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO
'will i get cancelled if i write a song called, ‘if you were a man you’d be so cancelled’'
WATCH:
https://youtu.be/YHodiD5sXzM
STREAM / PRE-ORDER: http://smarturl.it/intoitoverit
“Think of it as a circa-2020 version of the Dismemberment Plan — so of course I love it. Things continue on a spazz-pop wavelength from there, veering between wild aural assaults and more conventionally catchy rock songs like the surf-rockin’ ‘frequent letdown.’ The whole thing rules."
Stereogum
“Assuming this is, in fact, a new Illuminati Hotties album, it’s a big step up from their 2018 debut Kiss Yr Frenemies. It’s bolder, punkier and has some of the best rock hooks in recent memory.”
Paste
“It's an incredibly catchy, energetic pop and punk album with a great sense of humour”
BuzzFeed
Coming off their critically acclaimed 2018 debut Kiss Yr Frenemies, tour-tight and ready to funnel those skills into festival dates and their second record, L.A.’s illuminati hotties instead found themselves in an immovable contract with a publicly collapsing record label. Songwriter and producer Sarah Tudzin began to write her way through contract purgatory, channeling personal and global anxieties into a vibrant mixtape filled with themes of aggression, claustrophobia and loss. As the mugshot-centric album art cheekily informs, this is NOT the record you’ve been waiting for (though you’ll hear that one soon). This is FREE IH.
The first track off FREE IH, “will i get cancelled if i write a song called ‘if you were a man you’d be so cancelled,’” is streaming everywhere today and pre-orders for the LP are available now.
Though it was tracked locally between drummer Tim Kmet’s rehearsal space and Tudzin’s home, FREE IH sounds like an homage to the bands you’d catch on club stages during a sleepless, electrifying cross-country tour. It’s a product of Sarah’s wide array of influences, ranging from snotty Californian forebears Dead Kennedys and Black Flag to the innovation and bravado of Death Grips and Cardi B.
It’s an instant cult classic, too––or should I say, it’s an occult classic. Last week a SoundCloud leaked under the name Occult Classic featuring the 12 songs on FREE IH, fans went into a frenzy. Soaking in the sheer audacity of one of the year’s best and most surprising records being released out of nowhere while also trying to work together to figure out who the mystery band was, they got a mere 24 hours with FREE IH before the link went dark again.
The LA-based band helmed by songwriter and producer Sarah Tudzin made waves with 2018’s Kiss Yr Frenemies, a debut of quirky, poppy rock lovingly fan-dubbed as “tenderpunk.” The record brought illuminati hotties critical acclaim and tour dates alongside contemporary heavyweights PUP and Lucy Dacus, pulling Tudzin away from the recording studio where she’s built up her C.V. engineering and mixing for artists like Weyes Blood, Slowdive and The Kills.
And while a follow-up record does loom on the horizon, someday... FREE IH plays an essential role in the illuminati hotties story; a giddy and meticulous document of a band that’s ready for what’s next, and making beyond-catchy music while they wait.
LISTEN TO 'will i get cancelled if i write a song called ‘if you were a man you’d be so cancelled' HERETRACKLIST:1. will i get cancelled if i write a song called, "if you were a man you'd be so cancelled"
2. free ppls
3. freequent letdown
4. melatonezone
5. WATTBL
6. free dumb
7. content//bedtime
8. free4all
9. b yr own b
10. K - HOT AM 818
11. superiority complex (big noise)
12. reasons 2 live
DUA LIPA RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO “HALLUCINATE”
DUA LIPA RELEASES NEW SINGLE AND VIDEO “HALLUCINATE” TAKEN FROM HER ALBUM FUTURE NOSTALGIA
LISTEN HERE
Today, Dua Lipa has released the single “Hallucinate.” With its propulsive bassline and shimmering synths, “Hallucinate” transports listeners back to the 90’s. Produced by SG Lewis and Stuart Price, it’s the most club-ready track on the UK number one selling album Future Nostalgia. The album also includes the #1 global hit single “Don’t Start Now,” the UK smash single “Physical” and recent hit “Break My Heart.”
Inspired by the Studio 54 aesthetic and cartoons from multiple iconic eras, the video for “Hallucinate” is an animation extravaganza. Directed by The Mill’s Lisha Tan, who is well known for her illustration and animation style, the film is packed with eclectic and fun characters, including a fully animated cartoon Dua Lipa. You can watch the video here.
About Dua Lipa:Global pop superstar Dua Lipa is back with Future Nostalgia, her #1 UK sophomore album. Released to worldwide acclaim, it is one of the best reviewed albums of the year so far and debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Upon release, Future Nostalgia was the most streamed album in a day by a British female artist globally in Spotify history. She has frequently been the biggest female artist in the world on the platform, and is currently the fifth biggest artist overall with nearly 60 million monthly listeners. The album’s certified platinum lead single “Don’t Start Now” is a worldwide hit with one billion streams on Spotify alone, and a #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a career high for the pop star. The track also broke her personal best record of weeks at #1 at US Top 40 radio. Dua followed the success of “Don’t Start Now” by releasing smash UK single “Physical,” and “Break My Heart,” all of which sat on the Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 at UK radio simultaneously. Future Nostalgia is the follow up to Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut, which is certified platinum and spawned 6 platinum tracks. She made BRIT Award history in 2018 by becoming the first female artist to pick up five nominations, with two wins for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, and received two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording in early 2019. Follow Dua Lipa:WEBSITEINSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOK
LISTEN HERE
Today, Dua Lipa has released the single “Hallucinate.” With its propulsive bassline and shimmering synths, “Hallucinate” transports listeners back to the 90’s. Produced by SG Lewis and Stuart Price, it’s the most club-ready track on the UK number one selling album Future Nostalgia. The album also includes the #1 global hit single “Don’t Start Now,” the UK smash single “Physical” and recent hit “Break My Heart.”Inspired by the Studio 54 aesthetic and cartoons from multiple iconic eras, the video for “Hallucinate” is an animation extravaganza. Directed by The Mill’s Lisha Tan, who is well known for her illustration and animation style, the film is packed with eclectic and fun characters, including a fully animated cartoon Dua Lipa. You can watch the video here.
About Dua Lipa:Global pop superstar Dua Lipa is back with Future Nostalgia, her #1 UK sophomore album. Released to worldwide acclaim, it is one of the best reviewed albums of the year so far and debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Upon release, Future Nostalgia was the most streamed album in a day by a British female artist globally in Spotify history. She has frequently been the biggest female artist in the world on the platform, and is currently the fifth biggest artist overall with nearly 60 million monthly listeners. The album’s certified platinum lead single “Don’t Start Now” is a worldwide hit with one billion streams on Spotify alone, and a #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a career high for the pop star. The track also broke her personal best record of weeks at #1 at US Top 40 radio. Dua followed the success of “Don’t Start Now” by releasing smash UK single “Physical,” and “Break My Heart,” all of which sat on the Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 at UK radio simultaneously. Future Nostalgia is the follow up to Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut, which is certified platinum and spawned 6 platinum tracks. She made BRIT Award history in 2018 by becoming the first female artist to pick up five nominations, with two wins for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, and received two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording in early 2019. Follow Dua Lipa:WEBSITEINSTAGRAMTWITTERFACEBOOK
Carl Cox Remixes deadmau5 & The Neptunes' "Pomegranate" -- Out Today via mau5trap
CARL COX REMIXES deadmau5 & THE NEPTUNES “POMEGRANATE” LISTEN TO “POMEGRANATE (CARL COX REMIX)” HEREOUT TODAY VIA mau5trap
For the third and final remix of deadmau5 & The Neptunes’ summer smash “Pomegranate,” mau5trap turns to one of the biggest names in dance music and one of the scenes most respected stars--the one and only Carl Cox. A veteran of acid house and a pioneer of British rave culture embedded deep within the fabric of electronic music history, the undisputed King of Ibiza reveals his upbeat reimagination of “Pomegranate.” Listen now here: https://ffm.to/pomegranateccremix Coming in at over six minutes, the mix travels over many peaks and valleys of production wizardry. Cox ups the tempo adding a wild electro bass, drumtastic top line and sparkly synths keeping Pharrell’s dreamy vocal front and center throughout. The result is a radio-friendly tough house vibe which will easily transfer to the world’s most renowned dancefloors when they eventually return. “What an amazing opportunity to work with deadmau5 and The Neptunes. Who wouldn’t want to work with them! The original song is amazing--the arrangement, the drive, the bass line,” Carl Cox told to Complex who premiered the remix yesterday (7/9). “Pharrell’s vocals are all fantastic which made remixing it quite difficult, but I knew my mix had to stand up on its own and I wanted to do something conceptual. I sped it up to 128 bpm to give it that techno feel - I really wanted that power of sound to create something for a festival or club sound system. The chorus lines have this Prodigy-esque sub bass line tones and break beat – and that’s a Carl Cox sound: a good kick, a good break beat, and good bass tones. That mixed with Pharrell’s vocals and the sprinkling of The Neptunes and deadmau5’ vibe – and I’m very proud of it.” Alongside Carl Cox’s remix, mau5trap is also releasing a companion dub version. Other “Pomegranate” remixes out now come from French Original and Ninajirachi. 
Carl Cox Follow Carl Cox:www.carlcox.comwww.instagram.com/carlcoxofficial/https://twitter.com/carl_cox Follow deadmau5:www.deadmau5.com www.live.deadmau5.com www.mau5trap.comwww.twitter.com/deadmau5www.instagram.com/deadmau5www.facebook.com/deadmau5 Follow The Neptunes:https://twitter.com/TheNeptuneshttps://www.instagram.com/theneptunesofficial/ www.mau5trap.com
Apparat Releases "Equals Sessions"; Final Soundtracks Series Installment Out Now
APPARAT
RELEASES SOUNDTRACKS: EQUALS SESSIONS
OUT NOW
LISTEN TO APPARAT ON THE
SONG EXPLODER PODCAST
credit: Phil Sharp Apparat, aka Sascha Ring, today concludes his 2020 Soundtracks series with the release of
Soundtracks: Equals Sessions
. An American film starring Kristen Stewart and directed by Drake Doremus, Equals premiered at the 72nd Venice Film Festival in 2015. This release is possibly the biggest production of the series and includes an OST by Ring and Nackt (the co-producer and co-writer of the soundtrack).
The fourth and final chapter of Apparat‘s Soundtracks series, Soundtracks: Equals Sessions is based on the original recordings but was rearranged, re-recorded, mixed, and updated by Ring and collaborator Philipp Thimm in May and June 2020. The score also contains several songs by US musician, composer, and producer Dustin O ́Halloran who became a good friend of Sascha‘s during this time. Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Equals Sessions here.
Apparat’s Soundtracks series began in May 2020 with the release of Soundtracks: Capri-Revolution and continued with Soundtracks: Stay Still , and Soundtracks: Dämonen .
Reflecting on his work with Ring, O’Halloran says:
After first moving to Berlin, I became familiar with Apparat’s music and loved his sense of space and the sounds I found in the music. There was somehow a kinship before we even met. We had some mutual friends and had both worked with my long-time sonic collaborator from Italy, Francesco Donadello, who introduced us. Serendipity happened again when director Drake Doremus, whom I had already collaborated with on a few films, asked Sascha to work on his new film Equals. We worked as independent halves on this project in a way, creating our own sound worlds, but always with the idea that it should sound cohesive and from the same world. I pulled inspiration from the sonic foundation Sascha had laid down. It was a chance for me to get away from acoustic instruments and work on a purely electronic soundscape, which was exciting for me, and I think this music was a highlight of the film. I am glad this music will finally see the light and be shared.
The Soundtracks series further solidifies Ring's status as a prominent modern composer for theater, film, and TV. His track "Goodbye," originally released on 2011's The Devil's Walk , serves as the title theme for the German-language sci-fi series DARK whose third season premiered on Netflix at the end of June. Song Exploder recently spoke with Ring, Anja from Soap&Skin, and the music supervisor for Breaking Bad (which also used the track) to explore this cinematic song. Listen here.
In 2019, Apparat received a GRAMMY nomination for the Best Dance/Electronic Album with LP5, his first release since 2013’s Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre). Stream LP5 and purchase physical formats of the record here.
Soundtracks: Equals Sessions Tracklist
1. Glass
2. Love Theme (Live in Paris)
3. Slice Jam (Live in Paris)
4. Sad Mug
5. Infected
6. Big Romance
7. Dark Anthem (Live in Paris)
8. Knowing
9. Escape From Den
10. A Nightmare
11. The Past
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Capri-Revolution
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Stay Still
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Dämonen
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Equals Sessions APPARAT: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
MUTE: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD
RELEASES SOUNDTRACKS: EQUALS SESSIONS
OUT NOW
LISTEN TO APPARAT ON THE
SONG EXPLODER PODCAST
credit: Phil Sharp Apparat, aka Sascha Ring, today concludes his 2020 Soundtracks series with the release of
Soundtracks: Equals Sessions
. An American film starring Kristen Stewart and directed by Drake Doremus, Equals premiered at the 72nd Venice Film Festival in 2015. This release is possibly the biggest production of the series and includes an OST by Ring and Nackt (the co-producer and co-writer of the soundtrack).The fourth and final chapter of Apparat‘s Soundtracks series, Soundtracks: Equals Sessions is based on the original recordings but was rearranged, re-recorded, mixed, and updated by Ring and collaborator Philipp Thimm in May and June 2020. The score also contains several songs by US musician, composer, and producer Dustin O ́Halloran who became a good friend of Sascha‘s during this time. Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Equals Sessions here.
Apparat’s Soundtracks series began in May 2020 with the release of Soundtracks: Capri-Revolution and continued with Soundtracks: Stay Still , and Soundtracks: Dämonen .
Reflecting on his work with Ring, O’Halloran says:
After first moving to Berlin, I became familiar with Apparat’s music and loved his sense of space and the sounds I found in the music. There was somehow a kinship before we even met. We had some mutual friends and had both worked with my long-time sonic collaborator from Italy, Francesco Donadello, who introduced us. Serendipity happened again when director Drake Doremus, whom I had already collaborated with on a few films, asked Sascha to work on his new film Equals. We worked as independent halves on this project in a way, creating our own sound worlds, but always with the idea that it should sound cohesive and from the same world. I pulled inspiration from the sonic foundation Sascha had laid down. It was a chance for me to get away from acoustic instruments and work on a purely electronic soundscape, which was exciting for me, and I think this music was a highlight of the film. I am glad this music will finally see the light and be shared.
The Soundtracks series further solidifies Ring's status as a prominent modern composer for theater, film, and TV. His track "Goodbye," originally released on 2011's The Devil's Walk , serves as the title theme for the German-language sci-fi series DARK whose third season premiered on Netflix at the end of June. Song Exploder recently spoke with Ring, Anja from Soap&Skin, and the music supervisor for Breaking Bad (which also used the track) to explore this cinematic song. Listen here.
In 2019, Apparat received a GRAMMY nomination for the Best Dance/Electronic Album with LP5, his first release since 2013’s Krieg und Frieden (Music for Theatre). Stream LP5 and purchase physical formats of the record here.
Soundtracks: Equals Sessions Tracklist
1. Glass
2. Love Theme (Live in Paris)
3. Slice Jam (Live in Paris)
4. Sad Mug
5. Infected
6. Big Romance
7. Dark Anthem (Live in Paris)
8. Knowing
9. Escape From Den
10. A Nightmare
11. The Past
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Capri-Revolution
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Stay Still
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Dämonen
Stream and purchase Soundtracks: Equals Sessions APPARAT: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | APPLE MUSIC
MUTE: WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD
